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BY RESEL JOY TIANERO
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Saturday, January 7, 2017
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ILOILO City – Yesterday’s opening salvo of the 2017 Dinagyang Festival was a visual treat.
A sneak peak of what to expect at the ati-ati competition on Jan. 22, it was filled with tribe numbers that gave an impression that the race to the title as the best festival performer is going to be tight.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was pleased with what he saw.
It was an indication that the contest proper two weeks from now will be much better than the previous editions, he said. “[Full-on] costume na lang ang kulang.”
Even with a light rain, the performances continued.
The contending tribus are Paghidaet of La Paz National High School (NHS), Obreros of Bo. Obrero NHS, Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro NHS, Amihan of Mandurriao NHS, Buntatalanit of Tiu Cho Teg Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School, Salognon of Jaro NHS, Dagatnon of Ramon Avanceña NHS, Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School, Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial NHS, and Abiador of Asian College of Aeronautics.
Marissa Segovia, vice chair of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., expressed confidence that the festival is going to be “very safe.”
“Para sa amon nga mga Ilonggo … rain or shine, we’re ready to go,” said Segovia.
She prayed that Señor Santo Niño will bless the festival and hoped the celebration will be “fruitful and successful.”
Mabilog claimed “thousands” of people gathered to witness the opening salvo performances at the Freedom Grandstand.
“Alas dose pa lang sa udto, ang Freedom Grandstand punô na sang tawo nga luyag maglantaw,” he said. “Linibo na ka tawo ang ari diri subong.”
The opening salvo started around 3 p.m. Several major streets were closed to vehicular traffic as early as 2 o’clock, while classes in all levels were suspended.
“Ay, bongga! Sadya gid kay nag-ulan daan!” a student from La Paz described the performances.
“I always watch the Dinagyang opening salvo, but this one’s more fun compared to last year’s,” said Lyn, who refused to reveal his surname.
“Kasadya gid kag katawhay lang,” said Police Officer 1 Edgar Denila. “Kanami sa ila magsina-ot, mawili ka gid.”
A Scottish national described opening salvo as “exciting.” Scue, who was here with his wife and children, told Panay News the event was “well-organized.”
A student from Jaro National High School noticed a swell in the spectators’ number.
“I observed this year nga opening salvo kadamo sang tawo, gagirinu-al,” said Paul.
Around 800 police officers were deployed for the opening salvo, according Inspector Shella Mae Sangrines, city police spokesperson.
This year’s Dinagyang Festival has the tagline “See, Feel, Love” and is anchored on the theme, “Communion of Communities with Señor Santo Niño.”/PN
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